Quarterback Brett Favre files retirement papers with NFL

Jeff Wheeler/Minneapolis Star Tribune/MCTBrett Favre leaves Ford Field after the Vikings played the Lions in Week 17.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Brett Favre is following through on that vow to finally end his career after 20 NFL seasons.

League spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed that the Minnesota quarterback had filed his retirement papers with the NFL. The news was first reported by Fox Sports on its website Monday.

The 41-year-old Favre has filed retirement papers previously, of course, and could request reinstatement at any time. He said he was done in 2008 with the Packers and 2009 with the Jets, only to join the Vikings and play two more years.

After an age-defying performance last season, Favre slumped badly in 2010 and suffered a slew of injuries. His sprained throwing shoulder ended his record streak of 297 straight regular-season games started, and later he had a concussion.